The fight for consumers goes on

Chains continue to branch out in different areas of the metropolis and in big cities outside of Metro Manila, in an effort to make shopping more convenient by bringing their stores within easy reach of consumers.

We could see that there is an apparent struggle among food retailers to capture a big slice of the consumer market. Notice the advertising come-ons in local media, the many “special” offerings to entice shoppers, the promo packages, the other amenities such as dining area and free parking.

Chains continue to branch out in different areas of the metropolis and in big cities outside of Metro Manila, in an effort to make shopping more convenient by bringing their stores within easy reach of consumers. This makes the homemaker doubly happy.

Such was the case when Rustan’s Supermarket opened its latest branch in Evia City on Daang Hari, Las Piñas, a stone’s throw away from gated villages in Molino, Daang Reyna and other residential locations in the vicinity. We have been wanting a one-stop store for our needs near our base, without having to motor farther away and having to encounter heavy traffic. Our wish has been granted.

Rustan’s new thrust is geared toward a better and healthier lifestyle. In line with that, a 35k biking event dubbed “Bike Out” was held during the opening. As soon as the bikers were in, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and Rustan’s Donnie Tantoco with his special guests led the throng of shoppers into the store.

The homemakers found much delight in the buy-one-take-one offers on meat (such as the Australian striploin at P715 for 1 ½ kilos of the steak), the fruits (mangoes at P89, very sweet; and big grapes), loaf bread (P50 for two), and many others. We are especially happy about the various cuts of lamb, particularly the young lamb shanks, which are perfect for cooking osso bucco. The frozen items, chocolates, etc. delighted many young ones who tagged along with their mothers.

We found a brand of extra virgin olive oil sold at a very reasonable price. There are two brands of sundried tomatoes with pesto, perfect as pasta topping. Actually, we need to go back and spend more time to explore all the sections of the store. Incidentally, there are food stalls around, including Hen Lin (we did not miss buying some siopao there).      

Now, do you want  savings of P300,000? The Enjoy card was recently introduced to Manilans by a young man called Al Sy, who was encouraged to bring the loyalty and privilege card to Manila from Shanghai where he found it. A membership fee of P1,990 is collected and you are given two booklets with coupons that entitle the holder to discounts in a selection of outlets, from dining, shopping, accommodations, etc. There are two tiers, the one-time coupon and discounts (much less than the former) when using the card. The P300,000 is envisioned as the sum total of savings a card holder can accumulate.  Call Enjoy at tel. no 750-9258.

We mourn the passing of Chef Ed Quimson who we met during his years as a budding chef in the old La Tasca in Makati. As he moved on we followed his career, a brilliant one. He had a ready smile for everyone, always cheerful and inspired. He is one big loss to the culinary industry. Rest in peace, Ed.

Have a blessed Sunday, you all.

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